Chapter Text
It was with Christopher in his arms that Buck got off the plane in a warm Californian night; Eddie was by their side, protective, but not as protective as Bobby, who was waiting on the tarmac with the expression of a fiery father.
Their duffels were at the captain’s feet and however exhausted, the man was not going to lower his guard, even if they were on their home turf.
He promised Athena and the family he would take Buck and Chris home, and he was going to keep his promise, no matter what.
“Hop hop, boys. Our ride is almost here.”
Still sleepy because of the heavy drugs they pumped him with at the hospital, Buck smiled a bit; he was still pale, too much maybe, but he was so much better than earlier that day, when the younger firefighter and his son had been discharged.
“Thanks for everything, man. I don’t know…”
“Don’t mention it, really.”
The hot Texan afternoon was suffocating and although they were feeling much better, the hospital policy was the same even there: wheelchairs for both Buck and Christopher, Eddie was pushing his son’s while Bobby was taking care of Buck’s.
Both Helena and Ramon were already on a fly back home, but they left with the promise of visiting Eddie, Buck and Christopher as soon as possible.
T.K. and Owen were lazily walking at their side while Carlos was waiting near a SUV to escort them to the airport, both father and son seemed tired but nonetheless glad of the outcome: “It’s been… an interesting way to meet you again, Evan.” Owen said, “But next time, maybe call before coming, I can arrange a more suitable welcome committee.”
Buck smirked and then coughed, still a bit weak; Eddie leaned and kissed his husband’s temple lightly: “Don’t push yourself.” he whispered.
The younger man nodded before grabbing his son’s hands: “We’re fine, Eds. And we’re going home with you.”
“Yes, Daddy. We’ll be home together!” Christopher had been a bit clingy since his awakening after being rescued, that boy had been through a lot of trauma in the last few years of his life, but Buck’s presence had always been the best remedy.
“That’s the best news I’ve ever received since Dispatch called the Firehouse.” Bobby admitted: “Chim and Hen called, they’ve taken care of your home and they’ve stocked your pantry this morning before shift.”
“I’ll kiss them.”
“Yay! Pancakes!”
“Not so fast! Buck is banned from the kitchen until I’ll deem it safe.”
“Okay, buddy, we have to ask Bobby for pancakes, I don’t think Daddy could make some edible pancakes. I don’t want to go back to the hospital for food poisoning.”
“You meanie.”
“It’s true, Eddie. You are not cut for cooking, and that’s final.” Bobby helped Buck standing up and Carlos hurried to open the car door.
In a few moments, both Buck and Christopher were huddled together and buckled up, the two teams exchanged a meaningful look and a heartwarming salute, some promises, many thanks and then they went separate ways.
But they all knew that a new bond was born.
“Okay, where’s the Uber?” Eddie asked once they left Arrivals.
“Who are you calling an Uber, Edmundo Buckley-Diaz?”
Still in uniform but with the most maternal smile Buck had ever seen, Athena stood still near Bobby’ SUV, parked just a few steps from them: “I have strict orders to take you home so you can sleep the drugs off. I fended off the whole gang who wanted to welcome you all here but I’m expecting them to show on my doorstep first thing in the morning.”
“Uh?”
Athena took both Buck and Christopher in her arms and engulfed them in a bone-crushing hug: “You’re coming home with me and Bobby, boys. I don’t want to wake up tomorrow with another kidnapping notice.” She sternly said, glancing towards her husband, “We were so worried, kids… Austin faxed everything they have on this case and I’m going to find the responsible of this mess, but first I need to know that my family is safe and sound. So, home. Maddie sent some soup too, so dinner is covered.”
It was good to be in her arms, Buck thought, it made feel him safe and protected.
Soon, they piled up in the SUV and half an hour later they were in the Grant-Nash living room, finally; while Eddie and Bobby were in the kitchen trying to fix dinner, Athena sat on the loveseat, looking fondly at her practically adopted son who was dozing off.
“Athena, Dad was scared… A lot…”
Christopher was awake, however huddled by his Buck’ side: “Dad has been so strong and brave for me, he gave me all the food and water… He told me someone was searching for us, that you were searching for us.”
Athena nodded: “Sure, baby. We never stopped searching for you, never. We wanted you to be home with us.” she patted her knees and Christopher, wobbly, stood up to reach for her.
Once the kid was safely in her arms, the woman kissed his fluffy hair: “You and your Dad are so important to me, baby. Sure, I have two kids, but your Dad is as my son as them. And so, you are part of the family too, you know.”
Chris nodded: “I believed him, but I was scared… I wanted to come home… And Dad was scared too, I know. He always tried his best, though.”
“Your Buck is a fighter, baby, and a hero. But it’s been a long week and he needs support and love, for once, we can help him and we’ll do it.”
The living room was silent for a few minutes, Athena looked at Buck’s chest rising and falling, a proof of life, while the quiet voices from the kitchen reassured her.
“Daddy doesn’t know it, that Dad gave me his food and water. But I don’t want him to know.”
“Why, baby? He did it to protect you.”
“Because he’d cry and I don’t wanna s-see him crying. One should eat and drink to survive, and Dad sacrificed a lot for me…”
Athena fought a sob coming from her throat: “Baby… Christopher… Your Dad is impulsive, reckless and maybe a little too self-sacrificing, it’s been years but he still pulls some incredibly stupid stunts that are going to give me grey hair before time, but he’s the most loyal person I know, he’s always ready to help and I’m proud of him. Sure, Daddy and Bobby may be sad, even Auntie Maddie and Auntie Hen, and Uncle Chim too… We may be sad but not because he has done something wrong, but because he has done something so good and important we’d want to protect him so much it hurts. Do you understand?”
Chris nodded.
“Maybe your Dad should apologize to your Daddy and should take care of himself a bit more, but I’m sure he has already forgiven him, even if he doesn’t know everything.”
“Hey, dinner is ready,” Bobby’s head poked out from the kitchen door: “Make room on the coffee table. And rouse that sleepyhead up, please.”
“…m awake, thanks to your graceful voice…” Buck’s was hoarse and sleepy and his bright blue eyes were clouded but he roused himself up enough to grab a bite.
“Good morning, Sleeping Beauty. How are you feeling?” Eddie carried the pot into the living room.
“Well, I’m not awake because of an enchanted kiss, so I’m not really a Sleeping Beauty.”
“Smart-as-… always” Eddie quickly corrected himself, gaining a giggle from his own son: “I should wash your mouth with soap, Eddie.” Athena reprimanded the younger man.
“It’s good to be home.”
Buck’s peaceful tone took everybody by surprise and Eddie looked at his husband with a loving expression; careful, Bobby approached the couch and, a moment later, the captain had a trembling body in his arms: “I missed you, son…” the older man confessed in a whisper, “It’s been worse than everything we have been through in these last years… Worse than the tsunami, the lawsuit…”
“I’m still sorry for that… And I’m sorry for this…”
“Don’t you dare to be sorry for being kidnapped, son. Don’t. You. Dare.”
“Okay… Pops.”.
Soon, Bobby traded his place with Eddie and as soon as his husband’s arms were around him, Buck lost it.
The next few minutes were filled by the younger man’s quiet sobs and half-spoken apologies; Eddie didn’t move as Buck rested his head on the half-Mexican’s chest, weeping: “I’m here, mi amor. We’re here… We’re not leaving you and they’re gonna pay for everything, I promise you.”
“They said… they said…”
“What, baby?”
Athena appeared in front of Buck, she was on her knees and her hand laid on Buck’s thigh: “What did they say?” she asked.
“T-They said you weren’t searching for us, that we were on our own. I-I didn’t believe them and I said Christopher we had to be strong for you to find us. But it’s been so hard…”
“You are safe, baby. You are home and that’s all what matters.” Athena cupped Buck’s cheek and their eyes met: “You are safe with us, and I’m so proud of you two. They won’t lay another finger on you. But now, you need to eat something and then sleep. Can you do it for me?”
Christopher had already a steaming cup of chicken noodle soup between his fingers.
Buck nodded and wiped his eyes before Eddie served him another cup: “It’s hot.” he warned.
“What a heavenly aroma.”
“Mimi Buckley’ secret recipe. Our great-grandmother was a master of chicken soup…”
“I’d love to try it at the firehouse.”
“I’ll ask her a copy, Cap.”
It had been a long week, and a longer road was waiting for them, but Buck was glad: that was his place, he hadn’t lost it.
They were finally home.